Tennessee's 2012 Civil War Sesquicentennial Signature Event, Invasions by Rail and River: The Battle of Shiloh is featuring a special one-day workshop for educators entitled "Teaching with Primary Sources Across Tennessee." The workshop, open to all K-12 educators, will take place from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., April 4 at Pickwick Landing State Park.
Sponsored by MTSU's Center for Historic Preservation, workshop participants will learn about a number of Civil War-related collections available through the Library of Congress website and explore strategies for incorporating these sources into activities for use in the classroom.
The Library of Congress is home to millions of primary sources including many related to the Civil War in Tennessee.
"Shiloh- that single word brings up images of death, destruction, heroism and valor. No other Civil War battle in Tennessee meant as much as what happened here on two days in April 150 years ago," said Dr. Carroll Van West, Center for Historic Preservation, Middle Tennessee State University. "The best way to understand Shiloh is through the words and images from its participants. Our Teaching with Primary Sources workshop provides expert guidance for educators on the thousands of Shiloh and Civil War documents at the Library of Congress."
Workshop participants will receive a $50 stipend and lunch. For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Kira Duke at 615-898-2605.
The following day, April 5, Beyond the Battlefield: Shiloh Heroes and Legends, offers student groups the opportunity to engage in the following living history presentation stations:
•· Shiloh Heroes and Legends - First-person interpretations of intriguing characters and personalities from the Battle of Shiloh including Johnny Clem, Loreta Janeta Velazquez, Sam Watkins, John Wesley Powell and George Dixon.
•· U.S. Colored Troops Recruitment Station - Will recreate a U.S. Colored Troops recruitment experience and discuss the role of African Americans in the war.
•· Tennessee Unionist - A Union soldier will be portrayed and will discuss the divided loyalties of Tennessee soldiers.
•· Civil War Sesquicentennial Exhibits - Tennessee State Museum and Tennessee State Library and Archives will present artifacts related to Shiloh and give visitors the opportunity to hear little-known stories accompanying highlighted objects.
Students attending four or more presentations will receive a special 150th Anniversary Junior Ranger patch for attending.
Bus transportation grants to the historic event are available. Grant applications are due March 21 and can be downloaded at tnvacation.com/civil-war/events/.
The goal of the Tennessee Civil War Commission is to educate the public, promote the commemoration and preserve the lands and legacies of the Civil War by engaging individuals and communities in an accurate and inclusive portrayal of Tennessee's contributions to the Civil War.
For a complete schedule of events or to download registration forms, visit tncivilwar150.com.
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